In a recent investigation, a concerning pattern of potential multiple publication of research studies has been uncovered across four different journals. Upon thorough examination, it was revealed that the author had replicated extensive sections of text, including tables, in all four articles.
Here's a timeline of the events:
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Three authors from the UK submitted a paper (Paper 1) to Journal A, based on the lead author's PhD thesis. The paper was accepted, and a copyright assignment form was signed.
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Six months later, the lead author presented a conference paper (Paper 2) on the same PhD research, which was submitted to Journal B, accepted, and published.
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One year after the submission of Paper 2, the lead author presented another conference paper (Paper 3), subsequently published in Journal C.
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Another paper, based on the same PhD research, was published in Journal D, with the date of submission and copyright form signing unknown.
In a span of just two years, four publications emerged from the same research. Moreover, a significant overlap in submission dates and copyright form signings was discovered. This raises concerns about the author's awareness of submitting nearly identical articles to multiple journals within a short time frame.
Following the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) advice, it is recommended to consult the flowchart for "redundant publication in a published paper." The flowchart suggests checking the degree of overlap and, if substantial, contacting the authors. If an unsatisfactory response is received, the editor should consider publishing a notice of redundant publication or retraction.
COPE advises that sometimes authors may make genuine mistakes or the instructions are unclear. In such cases, communicating with the author may be sufficient. However, if the editor determines that this is not a simple error and an unsatisfactory response is received, contacting the author's institution for further investigation is recommended. The COPE Forum also suggests reaching out to other affected journals to inform them of the situation.